Sacked Port Vale Manager Linked With Championship Job

Following his dismissal from Port Vale earlier in the season, Darren Moore has emerged as a contender for a Championship job.

Parting ways with the Staffordshire club at the end of December, the 51-year-old has been linked with a return to his former side, West Brom, according to Football Insider.

The Baggies are currently sat just one point outside of the Championship relegation zone, and are looking for their third permanent manager of the season following Eric Ramsay’s dismissal.

West Brom Line Up Moore Return

Moore took charge at the Hawthorns in April 2018, collecting 11 of an available 18 points in the Premier League despite the club’s relegation.

Handed the job permanently, he guided the club to fourth in the Championship. He was unfortunate not to make the play-off final after losing on penalties against their West Midlands rivals, Aston Villa, who went on to claim promotion at Wembley.

Later sacked at the end of the season, he won promotions with Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale in League One and League Two, respectively, with his sacking at Hillsborough largely controversial at the time.

Winning automatic promotion with Vale, the club failed to make the step-up to League One, and are currently preparing for life in League Two under Jon Brady. 

The prospect of Moore’s return to the Hawthorns will raise eyebrows from fans and neutrals alike, given his record at the bottom of League One this season. However, it cannot be doubted that his previous history with the club could play a huge role in any decision.

Who Else Is In The Running At West Brom?

The position in the Hawthorns dugout is under heavy contention. Tony Mowbray is also reportedly linked with a return to the club, according to Football Insider.

Whoever is handed the job has a huge amount of responsibility in keeping the club from dropping into League One.

With Leicester City breathing down the club’s neck, their recent defeat away at Oxford United has welcomed another relegation rival back into the battle. Additionally, their upcoming fixtures will see them face promotion contenders in Southampton, Hull, and Bristol City, before facing another relegation rival in Blackburn Rovers.

Links to two former managers at the club could suggest that the appointment is prioritising trust with the fanbase and someone who can immediately adapt to the surroundings. 

Every match is looking pivotal for the Baggies, and a managerial decision will have to be made soon if they are to finish above the drop zone. 

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